noun
pike
A long spear formerly used by foot soldiers.
The soldier holds a long pike.
Etymology
The older word means a sharp point or spike. It became the name of the long infantry weapon tipped with such a point.
In context
The whaling- pike is similar to a frigate’s boarding- weapon of the same name. The gaff is something like a boat- hook.
More examples
- A row of pikes formed a defensive barrier.
- The museum displayed a steel-tipped pike.
- Foot soldiers trained to move their pikes together.
Forms
pike · pikes
Similar words
- spear
- The broader pointed shaft weapon.
- lance
- Typically a weapon used by mounted soldiers.